Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops

The Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops are some of the most legendary excursions to be found. The Pacific Coast Highway was built in 1934 and winds along the ocean for over 500 miles with breathtaking scenery and that grand feeling of adventure. This is what road trips are all about. These Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops offer amazing natural scenery along with excursions that are both touristy and unique.

Cannery Row. This one of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops encompasses a sense of history and great dining and lodging. Its heyday was during the turn of the 20th century as a seafood trading hub. You can imagine how delicious the seafood is now. Cannery Row is off Highway 1, PCH, by the Camino Aguajito Road exit in Monterey, California 93940.

Carmel-by-the-Sea. This one of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops is an artsy, secluded touchdown point. Wander through the Point Lobos State Park that's littered with magical coves. Make sure to sample some of the gourmet pizza, too, before you go. Carmel-by-the-Sea doesn't actually have any street numbers on their buildings, but you can find it on the Pacific Coast Highway. It's about 120 miles south of San Francisco and five miles south of Monterey.

Monterey Bay Aquarium. This aquarium is one of the best in the nation. If you're in the area, you really should check it out. It boasts marine life exhibits from Africa and Asia, and even has a strange psychedellic jellyfish exhibit. Monterey Bay Aquarium: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940.

Big Sur. This one of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops has indeed gotten pricey. However, it's still a must-stop off. It's very laid back with an open feel in the air. You'll find the Big Sur mountain ranges start a few miles before the turn-off to Nacimiento Road.

Piedras Blanca Beach. If you're roaming about in the winter months, you definitely want to stop off here. There are elephant seals strewn all over the beach during the winter months at this one of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops. It's not something you see everyday by any stretch.The main visitor's and information office is about four miles north of Hearst Castle road. Plaza del Cavalier: 250 San Simeon Ave. 3B San Simeon, CA 93452.

Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park. This one of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops will take your breath away. There's an 80 foot waterfall pouring down these astounding granite cliffs. There's also dining available with spectacular views. It's located 37 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1 and 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur.

Santa Ynez Valley. You can't hit California without wine tasting. This valley is wine region and is about 35 miles from the beaches of Santa Barbara. You can use US Highway 101 and State Highways 154 and 246.

Solvang. This one of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops is a quirky Danish looking town. They offer great pastries and a strange otherworld feeling ala windmills. Start at Olsen's Bakery on 1529 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463.

Mission Santa Barbara. This mission was built in 1786 and is still functioning. It's considered one of the prettiest buildings in all of California. You know the tourists are hitting it hard, but get out your camera and count yourself as one of them. Mission Santa Barbara: 2201 Laguna St. Santa Barbara, CA 93105.

Santa Barbara Brewing Company. After the wine tasting comes the brewery. This one of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops features local brew that borders on gourmet beer. Santa Barbara Brewing Company: 501 State St. Santa Barbara, CA93101.